An Introduction to Exercise Bikes

An easy, entertaining and efficient means of exercise

Introduction
Exercise bikes are a great option for those who are searching for an easier, more comfortable method to start their schedule. Also, if you want to have an exercise apparatus that would occupy the minimum space, then an exercise bike is what you might be looking for.
Exercise bikes are specifically suitable for those people who have led a sedentary (physically inactive) lifestyle so far and are thinking about starting up their fitness routines again. For the same reason, exercise bikes have become really popular now, not just for indoor use (at home) but also in health clubs and fitness centers.

Definition – What are exercise bikes?
An exercise bike (also known as stationary bicycle) is an apparatus that is commonly used for exercise / workout purposes rather than transportation. In other words, an exercise bicycle is typically an exercise machine pretty much similar to a regular bicycle, except for the fact that it is without true wheels. However, you can also convert an ordinary bicycle into an exercise one by simply placing it on bicycle rollers or a trainer.
The common parts of an exercise bike are the saddle, pedals, and handlebars as arranged as on a typical bicycle.

Classification of exercise bikes
More recently, several forms of exercise bikes have appeared. However, the major types include the following:
1-   Recumbent bikes (The user reclines in a semi-lying position)
2-   Upright bikes (The user sits tall and the pedals are directly below his / her upper body)
3-   Mini bikes (Only have a base and two pedals)

How exercise bikes work
The philosophy behind the function of exercise bikes is simple. They actually provide a means for applying resistance or force to the foot pedals, which eventually results in an increase of the intensity of the workout. Some bikes even allow the exerciser to pedal backwards (in reverse direction) to shape and strengthen “antagonist muscles”. It is important to note that antagonist muscles are those muscles that work in the opposite direction and are not usually exercised in forward pedaling.

For convenience and enjoyment, several bikes now come with attached TV screens, so that exercisers could complete a biking workout set to music or their favorite shows.

Health benefits of exercise bikes
While in general, exercise bikes are used for physical activity, exercise and to enhance physical fitness and training, they are now also used to gain several other health benefits like:

Physiotherapy: As an exercise bike provides a convenient, safe, and efficient way to perform various cardiovascular and lower limbs activities, it is also used as one of the modern means of physiotherapy, especially in patients suffering from a stroke or cardiovascular illness. The reason is that the movements involved are low-impact and do not put much pressure on bones and joints. For the same reason, many experts recommend their use in almost all age groups.

Cardiovascular use: Some types of exercise bikes, e.g. a recumbent bike, are a perfect means to achieve a low-impact and safe cardio workout. Recumbent bikes allow the user to sit back in comfort of the seat (indoor) while increasing their heart rate gradually.
Weight loss: Exercise bikes are also used as an effective way to gain weight loss benefits. Studies show that a consistent one-hour workout on an exercise bike burns about the same number of calories as running for an hour at the speed of 7 miles per hour.